Important Notice Partners Policy Re: Outside Contracts
As reported this summer in the Journal of the American Medical Association, approximately one in 10 physicians in the country has signed on as a paid consultant for the investment industry. The JAMA article and these relationships gained prominent media coverage throughout the country, including stories and editorials in the Wall Street Journal and New York Times, as there are allegations some physicians and researchers may have revealed details of unpublished investigations and clinical trials.
“With the recent media coverage of physicians serving as paid consultants for financial advisors and calls for the U.S. Justice Department and Security and Exchange Commission to review these relationships, it’s imperative that all our researchers, clinicians and staff be aware of and in compliance with Partners policies,” Barbara Bierer, MD, BWH senior vice president of Research, said.
BWH and Partners have policies and procedures in place to make sure researchers, clinicians and staff do not put themselves in a position that could compromise their research, their reputation or the integrity of Partners and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. It is recommended that all staff review these policies and procedures, and go to their supervisors with any questions or concerns.
Medical and professional staff are urged to secure a written contract in advance of any work for outside entities and required to have those contracts reviewed by the Partners Office of Corporate Sponsored Research and Licensing. Partners policy is available online at http://healthcare.partners.org/OGCpolicies/Consulting.pdf